Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

ICH: The Draft Guideline Q5A(R2) Reaches Step 2

On 11 October 2022, the ICH published the revised Guideline Q5A(R2) on viral safety evaluation of biotechnology products derived from cell lines of human or animal origin as Step 2 document. This guideline addresses the testing and evaluation of the viral safety of biotechnology products and explains what data should be provided in the application dossier for the marketing and registration of these products.

Biotechnology products include biotherapeutics and certain biological products derived from cell cultures obtained from characterized cell banks of human or animal origin.

The draft ICH Q5A(R2) guideline reached Step 2 of the ICH process at the end of September 2022. In February 2024, Step 3 of the guideline is expected to be approved and Step 4 is expected to be adopted. The R2 revision retains the essential principles of the original 1999 guideline and includes additional recommendations on established and complementary approaches to control potential viral contamination of biotechnology products.

The Q5A(R2) EWG has prepared an informative overview summarizing the content of the draft guidance. More information is provided under Quality Guidelines in the section Q5A(R2), including the draft guideline and the Step 2 overview.


Source:

ICH: Guideline Q5A(R2)
ICH: Guideline Overview

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be Interested in the Following Articles:

PIC/S: Jordan FDA Joins PIC/S

PIC/S: Jordan FDA Joins PIC/S

On 1 January 2026, the Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) became the 57th PIC/S Participating Authority.

Read more
Swissmedic: Scientific GMDP Meetings

Swissmedic: Scientific GMDP Meetings

Swissmedic offers companies holding or seeking a Swissmedic manufacturing or distribution license the opportunity to discuss project-specific GMP and GDP topics in Scientific GMDP Meetings.

Read more
Purified Water – The new Chinese Pharmacopoeias and What Happens Next? NEU

Purified Water – The new Chinese Pharmacopoeias and What Happens Next? NEU

A new Chinese Pharmacopoeia was published in 2025. This has some significant implications for the pharmaceutical water industry, which we will discuss in more detail in this article. Firstly, it is important to note that cold WFI systems are now permitted worldwide and can be used across the board.
Read more
What are the requirements for gas distribution systems?

What are the requirements for gas distribution systems?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
What are the quality requirements for pharmaceutical gases?

What are the quality requirements for pharmaceutical gases?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
EMA: Update on the Guideline “Stability Testing for Variations”

EMA: Update on the Guideline “Stability Testing for Variations”

The EMA has updated the guideline on stability testing for variations (Revision 3, applicable from 15 January 2026).
Read more
Previous
Next